Arthur Compton observed Compton scattering in 1923, and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1927.
Compton Scattering
Compton scattering occurs when an incident X-Ray photon hits an electron, and is scattered at a different angle through an alternate path.
This is an example of Compton Scattering
The incident and scattered photons also have different wavelengths, as there is a loss of energy from the incident photon to the scattered photon,
which results in the scattered photon having a larger wavelength. This is known as the Compton Effect.
Importance:
The importance of this discovery lies within the Law of Conservation of Momentum and the Law of Conservation of energy. Because both energy and momentum must both be conserved, the scattering must result in the electron being given some of the energy, causing it to move, and the photon to be emitted in a different direction. This discovery was paramount in describing light as not only acting as a wave, but also as a stream of particles.
Formula:
Using many of Einstein's theories, Compton was able to find a formula that could be used to find the change of wavelength from the incident photon to the scattered photon.
Compton Scattering
From physick.wikispaces.com (Connor Boggs)
Compton Scattering
Compton scattering occurs when an incident X-Ray photon hits an electron, and is scattered at a different angle through an alternate path.
The incident and scattered photons also have different wavelengths, as there is a loss of energy from the incident photon to the scattered photon,
which results in the scattered photon having a larger wavelength. This is known as the Compton Effect.
Importance:
The importance of this discovery lies within the Law of Conservation of Momentum and the Law of Conservation of energy. Because both energy and momentum must both be conserved, the scattering must result in the electron being given some of the energy, causing it to move, and the photon to be emitted in a different direction. This discovery was paramount in describing light as not only acting as a wave, but also as a stream of particles.
Formula:
Using many of Einstein's theories, Compton was able to find a formula that could be used to find the change of wavelength from the incident photon to the scattered photon.
The formula he created is as follows:
Where:
Applet:
http://www.kcvs.ca/site/projects/physics_files/compton-scattering/compton-scattering.swf
Reference
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/quantum/comptint.html
http://www.kcvs.ca/site/projects/physics.html